Leadership Principles From Nehemiah – 8

Leaders Celebrate Often (Nehemiah 8:1-12).

EFFECTIVE leaders appreciate the value of celebrating the great things that God has done in and through their organizations. When the task is completed, when results have been achieved, when people have been served, then it is appropriate to take time to celebrate.

That is what Nehemiah did when the people completed the rebuilding of the wall (Nehemiah 8:1, 10). First he had Ezra read from the Law—the motivation for Nehemiah’s mission in the first place. The words kindled not only a godly sorrow (Nehemiah 9:1–3) but also genuine joy (Nehemiah 8:10–12). Thus with heartfelt praise, choice food, and even an “amen” chorus (Nehemiah 8:6), the community rejoiced in the Lord for the work it had accomplished.

One interesting sidelight to the celebration was Nehemiah’s instruction to “send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared” (Nehemiah 8:10). In other words, bring the poor to the party! Share the wealth. No one should be deprived of the joy.

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.